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Michigan

Michigan Conservation Results Report

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Aerial view of the still water of Lake Superior along the wooded Little Betsy Shoreline in the Keweenaw on a clear day.

Explore the 2022 conservation report from TNC in Michigan.

Keweenaw Peninsula The Keweenaw Peninsula has globally significant opportunities for nature-based carbon solutions and land and water protection. © Devin Leonarduzzi/Quincy Aerial, LLC

Patrick Doran headshot.
Patrick Doran Associate State Director © Jason Whalen

Introduction

Reasons for Hope

At The Nature Conservancy, we tackle big, global conservation issues—from climate change to biodiversity loss. These challenges can seem insurmountable. But the work we do brings exciting breakthroughs that keep us inspired and urge us onward.

One of those moments came at the end of 2022, when TNC protected 32,500+ acres of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s lands and waters. This was a big win for the large-scale conservation we pursue across Michigan and beyond—but it’s not over yet. If you are able to donate to this effort, we could really use your help! 

To those who have already given to support this project, or our many other conservation efforts in Michigan: Thank you. Every one of the achievements featured on the pages of this annual report is the result of countless contributions—of all kinds—by TNC staff, partners, donors and community members: from the launch of a new program for healthy forests, to a restoration experiment for whitefish, to a milestone to celebrate for a hard-working garden in the heart of Detroit.

Big or small, every conservation moment moves us forward. Which is why, this year, I encourage you to join us in the field! Help us track what wildlife or plants are thriving on our preserves. Snap a photo of an interesting species when you visit, and post it to the iNaturalist app, or send it directly to miplaces@tnc.org. The next conservation moment could be just down the trail.

In conservation,

Patrick Doran
Associate State Director

A Voice for Michigan Forests

From continued work in the Slate River Forest Reserve to our acquisition in the Keweenaw Peninsula, it's been a big year for Michigan forests. Click on each tile to learn more.

A river winds through a lush green forest in the recently acquired lands in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Keweenaw Peninsula The Keweenaw Peninsula has globally significant opportunities for nature-based carbon solutions and land and water protection. © Devin Leonarduzzi/Quincy Aerial, LLC

Connecting People and Nature

We own and manage more than 30 preserves in Michigan. Through this work, we provide Michiganders with opportunities to engage and better connect with nature. Click on each tile to learn more.

Advocacy for Lands & Waters

Tackling climate change. Protecting wildlife. Sustainable agriculture. There are so many ways to support Michigan's lands and waters. Click on each tile to learn more.

2022 By the Numbers

  • A silhouette of a river running through some trees.

    32,541

    Acres newly protected, totaling 437,000 acres at time of publication

  • Silhouette of crops

    86,000

    Bushels of sustainably raised wheat harvested through a supply-chain partnership

  • Silhouette of a plant

    661

    Acres acres of protected lands managed for enhanced ecological health by treating for invasive species, planting native seeds, using prescribed fire and more

  • Silhouette of three people

    79,000+

    Estimated visits to TNC preserves across the state

  • Silhouette of three evergreen trees

    13,660

    Acres of recently protected forestland enrolled in a carbon project

  • Silhouette of three water drops of varying size

    1.5M

    Gallons of stormwater managed by the green stormwater infrastructure installment at Sacred Heart Church

Forests for Climate Solutions

Michigan’s forests provide so many benefits to nature and people—and they have even more to give. Click on each tile to learn more.

For Resilient Farms & Clean Water

In Michigan’s agricultural watersheds, farmers are shifting to practices that restore and sustain long-term soil health and reduce harmful runoff. Click on each tile to learn more.

Great Lakes, Great Fisheries

TNC and partners are working together to successfully restore fish populations and habitat. Click on each tile to learn more.

Seeking Nature in Our Cities

Explore TNC's work with green stormwater infrastructure in Michigan. Click on each tile to learn more.

A group of five people gather around a red ribbon in front of Sacred Heart Church at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Celebrating Sacred Heart Parishioners recently celebrated the culmination of a three-year project to turn the parish's parking lot into a pollinator paradise. © Fauna Creative
The sun shines down on a few purple coneflowers at the Sacred Heart Church installation in Detroit, Michigan.
Sacred Heart Flourishes The project is now led by the Sacred Heart Garden Club, a group of parishioners who are passionate about adding nature to the church grounds. © Fauna Creative
Celebrating Sacred Heart Parishioners recently celebrated the culmination of a three-year project to turn the parish's parking lot into a pollinator paradise. © Fauna Creative
Sacred Heart Flourishes The project is now led by the Sacred Heart Garden Club, a group of parishioners who are passionate about adding nature to the church grounds. © Fauna Creative

Rooted in Science

Through innovative conservation approaches, we can take meaningful steps toward our goals. Click on each tile to learn more.

Faces of TNC

Learn how a long-time volunteer was honored and meet our newest fellows/interns. Click on each tile to learn more.

2022 Peer-Reviewed Articles

Sharing research across the broader scientific community is important to ensure that decisions are made based on the best available science. TNC’s Michigan team publishes an average of 10 peer-reviewed papers a year in science journals. In 2022, this included the following articles:

  • Defining Coastal Resilience in the Great Lakes

    Defining coastal resilience in the Great Lakes: A systematic review and critical comparison Access the Article

  • Multilake Monitoring of African Great Lakes

    Need for harmonized long-term multilake monitoring of African Great Lakes. Access the Article

  • Groundwater in Crisis?

    Groundwater in Crisis? Addressing Groundwater Challenges in Michigan (USA) as a Template for the Great Lakes. Access the Article

  • Sapling Stocking Targets

    Sapling Stocking Targets for Multiple Management Goals in Northern Hardwood Forests: How Do Stands Measure Up? Access the Article

  • Scientific Synthesis of Marine Protected Areas

    A Scientific Synthesis of Marine Protected Areas in the United States: Status and Recommendations. Access the Article

  • Framework for Invasive Aquatic Plant Survey

    Towards a framework for invasive aquatic plant survey design in Great Lakes coastal areas. Access the Article

  • Planning for people and nature

    Planning for people and nature: Comparing quality-of-life outcomes across environmental systems to inform conservation planning. Access the Article

  • A Synthesis of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

    A Synthesis of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative According to the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation. Access the Article

Past Conservation Reports

Access our archive of past conservation reports.